Derby Racing Returns to Monrovia’s Old Town

King Taco is one of this year’s event sponsors. – Courtesy photo / Facebook, Monrovia Old Town Derby

By Susan Motander

Soapbox-style racing is returning to Old Town this September. The Monrovia Old Town Derby will take place on Sept. 7 in conjunction with the 29th Annual Street Rods Forever Car Show in Old Town. With Delaware Financial as its principal sponsor, and the Street Rods Car Club playing host, soapbox derby-style racers will once again whisk down Myrtle Avenue.

This year, proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills as a tribute to the Fred and Diane Bowden Family. The racing will take place on Myrtle with the starting ramp located at Palm and Myrtle at the north end of Library Park. The races will start at 9 a.m. and should be concluded by 3 p.m.

Complete rules for the derby can be found at monroviaoldtownderby.com as well as the registration form. Registration is open now. Any questions regarding the derby can be sent to info@monroviaoldtownderby.com.

There are three classes of cars for racing: stock, super stock and open. The rules detail the differences between the classes.

For those of you who recall fondly the old derby races in conjunction with Monrovia Day, there is good news: former chief of police Joe Santoro has been acting as a technical advisor to the organizers and has promised to be on hand on race day.

The day will start early for the racers and those setting up the event. Starting at 5 a.m., the hale bay barriers will go up on Myrtle Avenue from Palm to Lemon avenues. Families will be allowed onto Palm Avenue to drop off racers and canopies and picnic supplies for “Family Pit Spaces” in Library Park between 7 and 8:30 a.m.

This great community event will give families a chance to work together and cheer each other on.

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